Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Were Anglo-Saxons kind or mean?

The Anglo-Saxon people ruled the British Isles for centuries.  The Anglo-Saxons had long lasting impacts on the area.  Their various dialects evolved into what became Old English, the foundation for the English language.  Christianity prospered in the region, and many churches and cathedrals were built.  Local governments were established in different areas.


In any culture, there will be people who are both "kind" and "mean."  If you wish to label the Anglo-Saxons as a whole, you will have to examine their actions and accomplishments and decide for yourself.  I will provide examples of positive and negative attributes below.


Local governments were established and laws were written under the Anglo-Saxons.  They favored order.  Writing was important in this culture, and many texts are still preserved today.  They valued architecture, and many buildings and styles that exist in England today came from the Anglo-Saxons.  The use of timber and thatch as building materials in the region began during the Anglo-Saxon period.


The ideas of loyalty and kinship were important in Anglo-Saxon culture.  This could be negative, because family members could seek violent justice if a kinsman was killed.  Eventually each person was given a value based on who they were and their class status.  There were strict class structures during this time. Slavery was acceptable in Anglo-Saxon culture.


What do you think?  Do you find more favorable or unfavorable qualities about the Anglo-Saxon culture?

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